Personal Care Assistants for 2026-2027 school year

Personal Care Assistants (PCA) - Class III

Seeking professional, approachable, friendly, and helpful Personal Care Assistant / PCA providing guidance, counseling and direct support services to special needs students with Individualized Education Programs.

Depending on the individual needs of the student, the Personal Care Assistant / PCA will assist in maintaining a safe and therapeutic treatment environment that meets the educational, physical, emotional, and personal needs of assigned student. May include monitoring of student's safety, redirect negative behavior, implement de-escalation strategies, and conduct crisis prevention and intervention plan. Will support and reinforce the teacher's general program and management strategies including appropriate and approved therapeutic interactions skills such as building relationships, listening, praising effectively, and assisting student in daily activities.

The PCA will provide one-to-one support for assigned student in educational settings to include the classroom, hallways, cafeteria, and recreational areas and field trips. Provide accurate, timely, and consistent documentation of services provided for student. Attend all Paraprofessional trainings as required and/or self initiated to accumulate 20 hours of professional development throughout the school year. Required CPR training.

Salary $15,800 (full time / 10 month position) District pays $9,525.12 per year for employee benefits package; employee pays $320 per year for benefits package and can buy up to family benefits). Tuition reimbursement is available. Life insurance is $30,000 per year.

Our Mission:

It is the mission of the Upper Darby School District to provide a comprehensive educational program that develops all learners into critical thinkers, with effective communication skills, empowering them to adapt to an ever-changing world. Our students will demonstrate integrity and confidence while cultivating a learner's mindset in pursuit of personal excellence and service to others.

Our Belief Statements:

• All individuals are capable of learning.
• Individuals learn in different ways and at different rates.
• Individuals have the right to be treated with respect and dignity.
• Students are unique individuals with varied talents and skills.
• Successful learning experiences build self-esteem.
• Learning is most effective in a caring environment where high standards of social interaction are maintained.
• Education should encourage individuals to acquire knowledge and attitudes necessary to live in a changing global society.
• Critical thinking, problem solving and decision-making are essential life skills.
• Updates in technology necessitate continuous personal and organizational adjustment.
• Professional development of all staff is vital to meet the changing needs of students and to reflect current best practices.
• The educational program must meet the needs of all learners and be responsive to the needs and resources of the community.
• Cultural and ethnic diversity is a valued strength of our community.
• Society benefits when individual rights are balanced with the needs of the group as a whole.
• Quality public education directly benefits the entire community.
• Lifelong learning is essential for all individuals.
• Education is the responsibility of the entire community, the school, the family, and, most importantly, the individual.

The Upper Darby School District is an equal opportunity education institution and does not discriminate in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices on the basis of race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, ancestry, union membership, or any other legally protected category. Announcement of this policy is in accordance with state law, including the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, and with federal law, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.